Best Colleges in Delaware (2023 Rankings)

Delaware was the first state to officially ratify the US Constitution, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that they also lead the way with several excellent colleges and universities. 

With so many quality education options to sort through, it's sometimes difficult to know exactly where to start. We want to help you find the best liberal arts colleges and universities, which is why we've put together this article to introduce our top picks for public and private colleges in the state of Delaware. We can't wait to tell you a few of our favorite things about each school.

And now, in no particular order, here is our list of the top colleges in Delaware! 

The University of Delaware

Location: Newark, DE

Acceptance rate: 66%

Undergraduate enrollment: 19,328

In-state tuition: $14,660 

Out-of-state tuition: $36,090 

Six-year graduation rate: 82% 

Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1 

The University of Delaware is a nationally-ranked public university with a gorgeous campus, award-winning faculty, and terrific on-campus research facilities. The school, which was founded in 1743, will soon celebrate its 300th anniversary. Its first students included men such as Thomas McKean and James Smith, who both signed the Declaration of Independence. 

The school relocated to Newark in 1765 and was named Delaware College in 1843. More recently, in 2009 the university purchased an adjacent 272-acre plot of land to develop a new Science, Technology, and Advanced Research (STAR) campus to house the University's Health Sciences center. In total, students can pick from more than 150 different majors offered by eight different colleges. 

Delaware State University

Location: Dover, DE

Acceptance rate: 39%

Undergraduate enrollment: 4,131

In-state tuition: $8,358 

Out-of-state tuition: $18,280 

Six-year graduation rate: 48% 

Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1 

Delaware State University is one of America's oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The school first opened in 1891 and, while proud of its long-lasting heritage, is committed to welcoming a diverse group of students from various backgrounds. 

Recently, DSU incorporated Wesley College to expand its selection of health and behavioral science programs. In total, DSU students can pursue 48 different undergraduate degrees and three associate's programs. Some alumni will go on to enroll in one of the school's 23 master's degrees or six doctoral programs after graduation. Three in four undergraduate students live on campus, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with student life and on-campus events.

Wilmington University

Location: New Castle, DE

Undergraduate enrollment: 9,421

Average tuition: $11,480 

Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1 

Wilmington University is a private university in New Castle that offers a wide range of degree programs and certificates to prepare students for their future careers. They care deeply about offering affordable tuition rates and 100% online classes in order to make a college education available to as many people as possible. 

Their wide range of class and program offerings includes over 200 degree and certificate programs. Each program incorporates the school's unique guided pathways approach to help students stay on track through hands-on planning and advising. 

Delaware Technical Community College

Location: Dover, DE

Undergraduate enrollment: 12,955

In-state tuition: $4,945 

Out-of-state tuition: $11,808 

Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1 

Delaware Technical Community College was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 1966 and had an inaugural class of 367 students in 1967. Twice as many students enrolled the following year, and the school has continued to grow since then - both numerically and in terms of impact. 

They operate at four different campuses, and the Dover campus is easily accessible for students near Delaware's capital city. They offer three different types of associate's degrees in addition to Bachelors of Science (BS) programs and several certificates. However, they also know that a student's college experience is about more than books and lectures, which is why their student life office oversees 50 student clubs and organizations.

Goldey-Beacom College

Location: Wilmington, DE

Acceptance rate: 55%

Undergraduate enrollment: 676

Average tuition: $25,500 

Six-year graduation rate: 51% 

Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1 

Goldey-Beacom College offers a low-cost education from a private university with a 90% post-graduation placement rate. The school provides almost 50 different undergraduate and graduate degree options for students to choose from, with programs ranging from Accounting to Criminal Justice to Psychology. 

Their active student engagement department ensures that everyone on campus has a chance to build community and make memories.

Delaware college FAQ

We've thrown a lot of information at you, but we also know that you probably still have a few questions. Before we say goodbye and wish you luck on your search, let's cover a few of the questions we most often hear from people looking at Delaware schools. 

How can I decide which college in Delaware is the best fit for me?

Unfortunately, you can't attend all five schools, so you'll have to make some difficult decisions about where you'll choose to enroll and spend the next four years. 

Here are a few important factors to keep at the front of your mind as you narrow down your options: 

• Understand your preferences and goals. Imagine yourself several years in the future. What do you want your life to be like? Knowing where you're headed will help you choose a college and a degree program that best supports your aspirations. 
• Consider the financial implications. College certainly isn't cheap, and financial concerns may play a key role in your college decision. Once you find a school that you think may be a good fit for you, try to learn more about any financial aid available in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans. It's also helpful to understand the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition (and when you can pay in-state tuition at an out-of-state school). 
• Evaluate academics and programs. Once you determine what major you want to pursue, do some research to learn more about different schools' faculty and the quality of their programs.
• Campus life and extracurricular activities. The academic experience is an important component of your college decision, but what happens outside the classroom also matters. Learn about what clubs, sports teams, service organizations, and additional opportunities for connection and engagement each school offers. 

Are there online degree programs offered by Delaware colleges?

Yes! Several of the universities mentioned above, such as Wilmington University and the University of Delaware, offer 100% online programs. Taking flexible online classes is a great option for students who want to pursue a degree while also fulfilling other professional or personal obligations. 

What is the significance of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation for Delaware institutions?

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is headquartered in Philadelphia and accredits more than 600 institutes of higher education in states such as Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York along with Washington, DC. 

The organization, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all accredited institutions meet various standards for methods of instruction, program structure, continual improvement, and overall effectiveness. MSCHE regularly evaluates and assesses schools under its jurisdiction to ensure compliance. 

Delaware's diverse higher education landscape with College Rover

By now, it's probably obvious why we love Delaware colleges and universities so much. We haven't even had a chance to mention Delaware College of Art and Design, which sits in the heart of Wilmington's downtown creative district and is a great option for students who want to prepare for a career in art or design with a two-year degree. Whether you choose DCAD or another school from this list, we think you'll be pleased with the education and college experience you find. 

We would love to continue to help you on your college search. Check out our database at College Rover if you're looking to learn more about institutions in Delaware or throughout the country. We make it easy to find a wealth of information about thousands of schools and bachelor's degree programs. 

Check out our site today! Whether you're a first-time college student fresh out of high school or a transfer student building a new list of colleges to look at, we would love to support you on your journey.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.